Air Zoo opens disc golf course

Visitors at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Mich., now have a new aerodynamic activity to enjoy — a nine-hole disc golf course.

This brand new disc golf course is nestled around the Air Zoo’s wooded property and features nine par three holes, which are free and open to the public year-round. The Air Zoo will add another nine holes in the spring, making it an 18-hole course.

“This course is great for beginners,” said Larry LaBond, professional disc golfer and course designer. “It suits the Air Zoo because it’s family and museum friendly, and you don’t have to be an expert to play.”

LaBond has been playing disc golf for 20 years. He was tournament director of the 2008 Professional Disc Golf Association Pro and Amateur Disc Golf World Championships, which donated all of the baskets to the Air Zoo. LaBond placed 12th at the 2004 Pro Worlds and currently plays on Discraft’s Core Team. In addition to designing disc golf courses at Cold Brook Park in Climax and Oshtemo Township Park, LaBond organizes leagues there. He also designed courses at Victory Park in Albion and Knollwood Park in Kalamazoo.